DEIC reviews Pride, Juneteenth, back-to-school and Welcome Week plans

Members of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission reviewed recent community events and discussed participation goals for several upcoming programs, including the Edmonds School District back-to-school resource fair, Welcome Week, the MLT Cares parade and National Night Out.

Commissioners reported that the Pride flag-raising on June 2 attracted good attendance and that Juneteenth drew a large crowd; staff distributed nearly 500 food vouchers at the Juneteenth event. Commissioners recommended improving seating and vendor/food logistics for next year and suggested making a larger portion of the event space available to high school art displays. Several commissioners also asked staff to include contact information for student artists on event materials to facilitate follow-up sales and community connections.

On outreach partnerships, staff presented an invitation to participate in the Edmonds School District’s back-to-school resource fair on August 14, an invite-only event for approximately 7,100 students identified as low income or in transitional housing. Commissioners discussed whether the DEIC should host a booth, share information about local recreation scholarships, or simply be present as a partner. Staff asked commissioners to email Caroline with their availability and their preferred level of involvement before the July 11 registration deadline.

Planning for Welcome Week (September) and the MLT Cares parade (July 18) continued: commissioners discussed logistics for short performance slots, the need for dedicated performance space, coordinating with local businesses and the plaza owner, and producing a finalized poster for distribution. National Night Out (first Tuesday in August) was also identified as an opportunity for short performances and community engagement. Staff noted that some performing groups (for example, the local dance academy) have already expressed interest.

The commission also discussed a proposed film event in partnership with the library. Commissioners agreed in principle to explore hosting a screening and public conversation but asked that the commission members watch the film before finalizing a date and promotion plan; the item will be revisited in July. Commissioners raised sensitivity regarding content and recommended clear parental guidance on promotional materials if the film could be unsuitable for children.

Actions assigned during the meeting were procedural: staff will finalize event posters, confirm logistics with partnering organizations, and collect commissioner availability for the August resource fair. No votes were taken at the meeting on event approvals; the commission agreed to reconvene these items at the July meeting for confirmations.